Cars have changed a lot in recent years, and yet many people do not realize that some types of auto service are no longer required, or not required as often. Keeping up with the trends in the field can save you a lot of money, and in some cases, help your vehicles last longer.

It is important to keep your car properly maintained, it is just that the definition of properly maintained has changed a bit. If you are told that you should have several services you are skeptical about, check with the manual and the manufacturer. While some dealerships and mechanics are honest and will tell you what you don\’t need, others will try to sell you as much as they can.

Listening to your owner\’s manual is probably the most important step in saving money on maintenance. Make sure that it is the original manufacturer\’s manual, however, because sometimes dealerships provide their own \’manuals\’ which call for more frequent maintenance than required. Manufacturers\’ recommendations should provide all the care your car needs, as they have a vested interest in making sure your car runs smoothly so that you are more likely to purchase another one.

Changing the oil is one place where people can save a lot of money on newer cars. The old school type of maintenance called for changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. But some newer cars only call for oil changes every 10,000 miles. Checking your owner\’s manual can save you a lot on unnecessary oil changes, and give you peace of mind that you are still performing the maintenance you car needs.

Lubing the chassis of a modern car is occasionally required, but should be considered skeptically if your mechanic or dealer suggests it on a car less than 10 years old. Many of these cars were made not to need lubing, and doing so can even create a problem. Again, check with your owner\’s manual for details.

Routine maintenance such as tune-ups and filters should be reduced compared to older cars. Computers control much of the equipment that previously needed tune-ups, and some of it no longer exists in the modern vehicle. Filters do need replacing sometimes, but not as often as the oil needs changing. Air filters should be blown clean at least once before they need replacing.

The transmission fluid and coolant in your modern vehicle no longer need replacing as often, either. Transmission fluid should not need replacing until your car has at least 60,000 miles on it, and in many cases, not even then. Coolant does not need to be flushed twice a year as it used to be– it should now last more like two years between changes.

Don\’t believe your dealer if they tell you that you must use them for certain types of auto service or you will void your warranty. Read your warranty carefully if you are concerned, but at the very least, you can take your car to any licensed mechanic. Sometimes, you can even perform the maintenance yourself. However, you might void the warranty if you do not perform recommended services at all.

Author Bio: The auto mechanic Surrey BC center you choose should be quality-driven. They must have experience on the job, and employ quality ASE-certified staff for your auto repair Surrey BC need. Ultimate Performance Ltd 71-15515 24 Avenue, Surrey, BC V4A 2J4 (604) 536-6444

Category: Automotive
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